Four Businesses Busted in Alcohol Sting Operations

Three Ossining stores are accused of selling alcohol to minors. The businesses were charged after the Ossining Police Department performed an undercover sting operation on June 7.

The Corner Deli at 127 North Highland Ave. is one of the stores that face charges. Patch called the deli for a response. When we asked for the owner, the man answering the phone said, “What you want.” When we told him that we were doing a story on the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors he said, “I don’t speak English.” When asked if there was someone who worked in the store who spoke English the man hung up the phone.

at 64 North Highland Ave. is also accused of selling to minors. Storeowner John Daeira says his wife sold alcohol to a minor because they  looked old enough to buy booze. “She [my wife] looked at him and thought that he was much older than he is. Things happen,” said Daeira. He went on to say that John’s Grocery has been in business for 37 years and that it has only been accused of selling to a minor once before. Daeira said the previous incident happened six to eight years ago.

Paradise Deli at 41 Spring St. was the third store to be charged. Paradise Deli’s owner was unavailable for comment when we called.

In a separate operation, the Ossining Police Department charged the restaurant at 40 Spring Street with selling alcohol in their establishment, without having a liquor license. The restaurant's Attorney, George Echvarria, would not comment on the charges.